By Staff
The Dowagiac tennis and soccer teams will taste their first action this weekend.
The Chieftains will head to Niles for an invitational tournament on Saturday (see related story this page) after opening their season on Friday by hosting Three Rivers.
Dowagiac was originally supposed to play at Paw Paw on Monday, however, due to a scheduling conflict, that match was moved to September.
The junior varsity squad actually got the season going last Friday with a split against Cassopolis' varsity squad.
Let me tell you, those new courts at the middle school are something to see.
Not only are they great from my perspective - I never actually have to walk on the court to shoot pictures - but they are extremely fan friendly.
I expect big things out of the Lady Chieftains this year and cannot wait to see them in action.
They will have to share top billing with the football team which also opens up its season on Friday when it hosts Coldwater at Chris Taylor-Alumni Field.
The Chieftains are looking to get off on the right foot and a win over the visiting Cardinals is just what the doctor ordered.
You will see a much improved varsity football team this season.
So make a day of it. Head up Riverside Drive and take in the tennis match before heading out to the football game.
You will enjoy both events I can assure you.
Dowagiac's soccer team will hit the field on Saturday as it travels to Edwardsburg for an invitational tournament.
The Chieftains won the Edwardsburg Invitational two years ago, but dropped a 1-0 decision in the semifinals last year on an own goal.
The Chieftains, who went on to win the school's first ever district championship, is chomping at the bit to get going.
Dowagiac has a lot of experience and talent returning this season and I expect the Chieftains to make some real noise in the Big 16 Conference West Division.
Look for the Chieftains to upset at least one of the traditional powers in the West and perhaps more than one.
You can see the Chieftains in action before Saturday a little closer to home as Dowagiac hosts Niles today in a preseason scrimmage beginning at 5 p.m. at the APEX Field.
The Chieftain golf team is also in action today as it hosts the Big 16 West for a jamboree at Hampshire Country Club beginning at 3 p.m.
Get out and see the Chieftains as they begin their bid for a division championship. Dowagiac has some good young talent that should be very competitive this season.